IL clergy voice support of gay marriage

Mon, 24 Dec 2012 04:44:36 CSTBy: AP

A group of clergy members is pushing to legalize same-sex marriage in Illinois. More than 200 pastors and rabbis released an open letter yesterday calling for legislators to approve legislation allowing gay marriage. They say it's a matter of equality, conscience and justice. The group plans to send the letter to lawmakers. State Representative Greg Harris and state Senator Heather Steans say they'll call for a vote on the gay marriage bill when lawmakers gather in January. The legislation would offer same-sex couples marriage rights now only available to heterosexual couples. The Chicago Democrats say public opinion favoring equal rights for same-sex partners is moving rapidly. Four states voted in favor of the issue or opposed a ban on it last month.